How to Deploy Next.js for Free on MS HOST
Easy, free deployment for Next.js. Connect GitHub, follow this step-by-step guide, and go live in minutes on MS HOST. See also our deployment solution and FAQ for more help.
Deploying Next.js shouldn't be complicated
Setting up servers, configuring build pipelines, and managing environment variables takes time away from building your product. MS HOST gives you a free, developer-first platform to deploy Next.js applications from GitHub in minutes — no DevOps expertise required.
Why deploy Next.js on MS HOST
Easy, free deployment
Connect your GitHub repo, select Next.js, and deploy for free. MS HOST handles builds, hosting, and SSL automatically.
- No credit card required
- One-click GitHub integration
- Automatic HTTPS on every deploy
Built for modern workflows
Every push to your branch triggers an automatic build and deployment. Focus on code while MS HOST keeps your Next.js app live.
- Continuous deployment from Git
- Live build logs in the dashboard
- Zero-downtime redeployments
Production-ready from day one
Environment variables, custom domains, and framework-specific defaults are configured for Next.js out of the box.
- Secure environment variable management
- Framework-optimized build settings
- Instant rollback from the dashboard
Who uses MS HOST for deployment
Teams and solo developers ship Next.js projects faster with free, reliable hosting.
Side projects and MVPs
Launch your Next.js prototype for free and share a live URL with users or investors within minutes.
Production applications
Run real Next.js workloads with automatic redeployments, environment secrets, and a dashboard to monitor every build.
Overview
Next.js is a powerful React framework for server-side rendering and static site generation. MS HOST makes it easy to deploy Next.js for free — connect your GitHub repository, and our platform auto-detects your build settings. This guide covers everything from repository setup to automatic deployments, environment variables, and going live with HTTPS on MS HOST.
Video Tutorial
Setup Requirements
Node.js 18v to 24v
npm, yarn, or pnpm package manager
Basic knowledge of React and Next.js App Router ready for production
Step-by-Step Deployment
Name Your Project
The first step is to name your project. This screen shows the Project Details form.
Project Name
Enter a unique, memorable name for your project in the input field (e.g., 'My Awesome App'). This name will serve as your project identifier across the MS HOST dashboard.
The helper text below the input reminds you to 'Give your project a unique, memorable name'. Choose wisely
this name will be visible in your personal dashboard and deployment URLs.
Connect Repository
In this step, you connect your personal source code by selecting a GitHub repository.
Search or Select a Repository
Use the dropdown to search through your connected repositories. Type a name to filter results instantly.
Manage Repositories
Click the 'Manage Repositories' button (shown on the right with an arrow) to configure which repositories MS HOST can access. This opens your GitHub settings where you can grant access to specific personal repositories.
If your repository isn't listed, click 'Manage Repositories' to authorize MS HOST to access it from your GitHub account.
Select Framework
Select 'Next.js' from the grid of supported frameworks. Even if your project structure is standard, you must manually confirm the framework choice here.
Make sure 'Next.js' is selected before proceeding to configuration.
Next.js
Click on the Next.js card to select it manually. This selection ensures that MS HOST applies the optimal build command, output directory, and runtime configuration tailored for Next.js applications (SSR, SSG, and API routes). A checkmark badge appears once selected.
Configure & Deploy
Review and customize your build and deployment configuration.
Git Branch
Select the branch to deploy (e.g., 'master' or 'main'). Every push to this branch will trigger an automatic redeployment.
Node Version
Choose the Node.js runtime version (e.g., v20). MS HOST recommends the latest LTS version for stability.
Package Manager
Select your package manager: NPM, Yarn, or PNPM. This determines how dependencies are installed during the build.
Root Directory
Specify the folder containing your package.json. Leave as '/' if your project is in the repository root. Useful for monorepo setups.
Port
The port your application listens on (default: 3000 for Next.js). MS HOST routes traffic to this port automatically.
Environment Variables (Optional)
Add secrets and configuration values your app needs at runtime. You can either type them manually using '+ Add Variable' or upload a .env or .json file in bulk.
Deploy Project
Click the red 'Deploy Project' button to start your deployment. MS HOST will clone your repo, install dependencies, build the project, and launch it.
Project Dashboard Guide
Once your project is deployed, you land on the Dashboard. This central control panel provides real-time insights and management tools for your application.
Project Name & Status
Located at the top-left, this displays your globally unique project name along with a real-time status badge (e.g., IDLE, BUILDING, LIVE, or ERROR) indicating the health of your application.
GitHub Link
Quickly access your source code. The dashboard provides a direct link to your connected GitHub repository and the specific branch currently being served.
Info Cards
Four dynamic cards give you a snapshot of your deployment: the active Branch, the selected Framework, the specific Node.js Version, and the precise time of the 'Last Deployed' successful build.
Build Logs (Live)
Watch your deployment in real-time. The integrated terminal streams live logs from our build engine, allowing you to monitor dependency installation and compilation as it happens.
Pipeline Status
Track the three critical stages of your app's journey: Init (setup & env prep), Build (source compilation), and Deploy (final orchestration and launch).
Live URL & Management
Once live, your production URL is displayed prominently. From the dashboard, you can also trigger a manual 'Redeploy' or access deep 'Settings' for advanced configurations.
Environment Variables
Manage your application secrets and configuration values. MS HOST provides a secure way to inject these into your runtime environment.
Adding Variables
Use the '+ Add Variable' button in the Configure or Settings screen to add secrets like API keys, database URIs, or internal flags manually.
Bulk Upload
Save time by uploading a `.env` or `.json` file. MS HOST will automatically parse the file and add all variables to your project in one click.
Security First
Never commit your `.env` files to GitHub. MS HOST securely encrypts all stored environment variables and injects them only during the build and runtime.
Automatic Deployment
Every change you push to your branch is automatically built and deployed. Focus on code, while we handle the distribution.
Push to Deploy
Every time you push code to your selected GitHub branch, MS HOST automatically triggers a fresh build and redeploys your application.
Zero Downtime
Our orchestration engine ensures your old version stays live until the new build is 100% healthy, providing a seamless transition with zero downtime.
Manual Redeploy
Need to trigger a build without a code push? Use the 'Redeploy' button on your dashboard to pull the latest code and rebuild immediately.
Updating Project Settings
Your project is not static. You can refine your configuration as your application grows.
Update Configuration
You can change your Node.js version, package manager, or build commands at any time from the 'Settings' tab on your project dashboard.
Project Scaling
As your project grows, you can adjust deployment resources and advanced platform settings from your project dashboard.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Use Standalone Output Mode
Add `output: 'standalone'` in your `next.config.js` for a more efficient, self-contained production build that includes only the necessary files.
Set Env Vars in MS HOST Dashboard
Add your environment variables directly in the MS HOST project settings. MS HOST injects variables into your build automatically.
Default Port is 3000
Next.js runs on port 3000 by default. Make sure the port field in the MS HOST configuration matches your app's listening port.
API Routes Need SSR
If you use Next.js API routes or Server Components, do not use `output: 'export'` mode — it disables SSR and API routes. Use the default or standalone output instead.
Keep .gitignore Clean
Ensure `.next/` and `node_modules/` are in your `.gitignore`. MS HOST will install dependencies and build fresh every deployment.
Ready to deploy your Next.js app?
Join developers using MS HOST for free, easy deployment. Connect GitHub and go live today.